How We came to be Lakewood estates

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At the Lakewood Estates water fountain lies this plaque with the names of Clay Cantwell, Mid Harris and Jack Justus inscribed on it.  

Men who made a difference because they believe that change was important; men who had vision and who were not afraid to believe in something that had not been done before.  

They created Lakewood Estates and we hope they would be excited about the future and satisfied that the baton of their vision is being passed to those willing to take on the mantle securing our unique neighborhood's future.

Lakewood Estates was one of the first condominium developments in the state of Missouri.  

If you know more and wish to contribute to our History page, please feel free to send an email to bransonlakewoodestates@gmail.com and we'd love to be able to share more, especially pictures of days gone bye and happy memories.

Clay Cantwell served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific and was a native of Branson.  He went on to become an attorney and establish a law office, Cantwell Smith & Trokey, LLP, become a Real Estate Developer, was the 1st Democrat to serve as the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney.  Clay wrote the Trust Agreements and Bylaws.  Clay and Jean lived at 15 Willow Court and Clay died in 2015.

Jack served in the Army Air Corps as a pilot in World War II and became a civic leader in the Branson community.  He was one of the originators of the Branson City Campground, which many of us have stayed at over the. years, and was a trustee for the School of the Ozarks. Jack was the owner of a large hardware and appliance store and a local plumbing supply company.   Jack lived at 11 Willow Court before moving to Forsyth, where he died in 2014.

Mid served in the US Army during World War II. Mid was known for quality building of fine homes and business structures.  Mid & Evelyn lived at #5 Willow Court and are  buried in Ozark Memorial Park in Branson, Mo., Mid died in 2000 and Evelyn in 2006.

Thanks to Judy Smethers of Maple Court for providing one of the original sales brochures for Lakewood Estates.  

Thanks again to Judy Smethers, who kept some old City of Branson directories of who lived on each street.  Here's Maple Court Residents in 1970.

1975

1975

1975

1975